Rock Band to be Scarce this Holiday

EA says if you don't line up on day one, you won't be rocking on Christmas.

By Daemon Hatfield

During Electronic Arts' Q2 2008 Earnings Conference Call today, CEO John Riccitiello warned that supply for Rock Band would not meet demand this holiday season and even into next year.

"If I were you, on the 19th of November I would get in line outside of your favorite retailer," Riccitiello told investors. "We've got a lot of inventory coming, and my expectation is it will sell through.

Riccitiello said unless you pre-order Rock Band or get in line on launch day, "unless you have a buddy that works at one of our retailers you're not gonna have it at Christmas."

Electronic Arts anticipates struggling to meet demand well into the new year, as well.

"This is definitely not a sprint. We're not going to be able to put enough inventory to meet demand in North America and Europe this calendar year or this fiscal [year]."